ah i guess you are right they would both be considered jump seats, but it seems the D1 only gets what i consider jump seats (side facing) and the D2 gets more standard rear seats that look a fair bit more comfortable.

 

They fold down from the sides so you have cargo space when you're not using them. They definitely not very comfortable though.

 

I finally found dimensions of my 1991 pathfinder to compare to the disco 1 and 2. Looks like I would need a disco 2 just based on the driver head and leg room. I am right near the max of my pathfinder at 39.3" head room. The Disco1 is listed at 37.4" and the disco2 is listed at 40.4". If those are fairly accurate the disco1 would have my head resting on the roof while the disco2 would leave me with MORE space than i currently have for the old noggin'.

The front leg room is a little smaller than the pathfinder. 91 path: 42.6", disco 1: 38.5", disco 2: 42.3" That alone might be the deal breaker! Looks like the disco1 would leave my legs cramped but the disco 2 is only marginally shorter in terms of leg room, that wouldnt be a deal breaker. I guess they just allow the front seats to slide back further on the disco2?

The rear passenger leg room is way larger on the disco vs the pathfinder though, that's what the kids complain about the most. 91 path: 33.1", disco 1: 36.3", disco 2: 37.3". that is quite a noticeable increase of over 4 inches in rear leg room. it also appears that the rear shoulder/hip space is quite a bit wider on the disco than the pathfinder based on the pictures.

I find it interesting that the discovery is so much longer than the pathfinder but actually has a shorter wheel base! interesting. 91 path: 171.9" length, 104.3" wheel base. disco 1: 178.7" length 100" wheel base, disco 2: 185.2" length, 100" wheel base.

I'll likely have to get creative with some high clearance bumpers to maintain similar approach/departure angles!

The tow rating is also MUCH better on the discovery vs the pathfinder. Path: curb weight 4100lbs, 3500lb tow. Disco: 4900lbs curb, up to 7700lbs tow! That's approaching the same tow rating as our half ton nissan titan pickup. Really impressive.

One thing i cannot find is the GVW/payload for the disco. If anyone has a chance to check the door placard / data plate would they be able to let me know the available payload on the disco? Pathfinder is 1150lbs payload, but with my diesel conversion and bumpers, passengers, im already basically at GVW already. would be nice to have some more wiggle room for weight as I want to make this into a touring/overland rig.

Seems that extra couple inches in leg room and head room on the disco 2 would be necessary for me to even fit inside the thing!

 

If you are looking at lifting anyway, then you can pretty much name your number on gross vehicle weight. Aftermarket lifts come in light, medium, and heavy duty.

 

RAVE manual, page 04-24.

 

Have you considered a P38 Range Rover? A lot more room for driver and passengers, with the exception that the D2 has more head room for the rear (mid if including jump seats) passengers.

 

Going off topic a bit, but I looked at a P38 for boat towing due to the wheelbase, the D2 gets squirrely towing over 65mph. Cargo space is a lot less on the P38, like, A LOT.

 

Yeah honestly I was looking at the P38, but the lack of a true differential lock front to rear is really a deal breaker for me for the amount of off road duty it will be seeing. The discovery really suits my needs well as cargo storage space (for overlanding) and the center diff lock are essential for what i want to do with it. Im going to go look at both a D1 and D2 to see if i magically fit in a D1, but otherwise it looks like a D2 will suit my needs really well. Again, not super concerned about the engine as I will likely be putting a BMW engine in it anyway.

Now if I do decide to go with a D2, i understand there are maybe 2 eras of D2? 99-02, 03 and 04? Aside from the headlights/front end (which i admittedly really like on the 03/04) are there any other pros/cons between the pre facelift and post facelift D2?

Does the pre facelift D2 (i think i read it comes without sunroofs?) also have ABS/TC/HDC? is it only the 03/04 that has those features? I would REALLY like at least ABS, and traction control and hill descent would be kinda nice as bonus, not super fussed about the ACE/air bags. It's not too hard to swap the facelift D2 headlights/front end to a pre facelift D2? I think I read the 03 doesnt have the center diff lock linkage, but the 04 does? Any other major differences pros/cons?

are there fixes for leaking sunroofs aside from replacing the whole unit? is it a weather tripping issue or clogged sunroof drains? why do they leak? I would prefer the nice big sun roofs but if they are really prone to leaking and there is no fix i will abstain i think.
Thanks!

 

Based on your profile it appears that you live in Canada so you can probably import a D2 with the TD5 diesel engine! Now if you're still wedded to the BMW diesel you should seriously take a look at the Ineos Grenadier.

 

You can get a D2 with a TD5 in canada??? i did not know that, well that makes things signficiantly easier (if i can find one)! I would be totally happy with a TD5 if i could find one. I am just majorly partial to diesel engines in 4wds.



I REALLY like this rig. Maybe 3-4 inch lift with some 33-35 inch tires. I figure im going to have to run ashcroft parts in the diffs but they seem to be warrantied for 35s. That would be about my ideal rig there.